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Thread: Respirators

  1. #1
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    Default Respirators

    I was out picking up some supplies to try making my first set of scales. One of the items on my list was a respirator, as I will be working with cocobolo and other tropical woods in the future. At all local hardware stores I found a couple types of respirators. There is one style that looks like a thick dust mask and is NIOSH approved with an N95 rating and available with or without an exhaust valve. They cost around $5 each, or a pack of 20 for $20. There is also a type that looks similar to a gas mask and has two cartridges. These are NIOSH approved with either an R95 or P100 rating. The ones I saw ran $20~$30, and the replacement cartridges are less than that. What types of respirators do you use or recommend? I don't mind spending a little more to protect my lungs or if there is a big difference in comfort. However, if the N95 rated mask without a valve with protect me sufficiently and be comfortable, I would rather get that as it is the least expensive option. How long do dust mask style respirators or cartridge filters typically last?

    Ryan

  2. #2
    Cheapskate Honer Wildtim's Avatar
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    In my experience the Gas mask like ones are more adjustable and therefore more comfortable. I do believe the cartridges last longer than the plain masks as well. Get the type with a variety of interchangeable cartridges and you can use it for filtering chemical irritants (paint stripper etc.) as well as fine particulate.

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    Senior Member ToxIk's Avatar
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    The gas mask style resporators (which I've been meaning to get) will usually filter out more stuff depending on the filters you buy. The simple N95 mask as I understand it will filter out most particles, but the very small stuff (<5µ if I'm not mistaken) can still slip through. Good filters for the full resporators will filter out even very small particulate matter. I believe there are also filters with activated charcoal in them to filter out vapours as well.

    Don't take my word for it though, I really on ever just read enough to get the jist of things. Google around and I'm sure you'll find more.

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    I did a little digging and found this from the NIOSH site

    • If no oil particles are present in the work environment, use a filter of any series (i.e., N-, R-, or P-series).

    • If oil particles (e.g., lubricants, cutting fluids, glycerine, etc.) are present, use an R- or P-series filter. Note: N-series filters cannot be used if oil particles are present.

    • If oil particles are present and the filter is to be used for more than one work shift, use only a P-series filter


    Note: To help you remember the filter series, use the following guide:
    N for Not resistant to oil,
    R for Resistant to oil
    P for oil Proof
    Since part of the problem with many tropical woods comes from the oils they contain, I would think that and R or P series filter is needed (and if you want to use the filter more than once than a P series is needed), which from what I've seen means a gas mask type respirator. The number refers to efficiency. P-100 would filter at least 99.97% of particles <0.3 microns. My guess is that P-95 would filter 95% of particles <0.3 microns.

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    < Banned User > Flanny's Avatar
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    You'll probably eventually need 2 types of respirators. 1 for dust and 1 for chemicals, especially if you decide to do CA finishes.

    The chemical respirators look similar to the gas mask style set ups and generally have a different type of replacement filter than the dust ones. (see link)
    http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/11257

    The better dust respirators also resemble a gas mask style system but have cheaper replacement filters. (see link)
    http://www.websoft-solutions.net/asb..._p/3m-2091.htm

    I wouldn't bother with the cheap dust masks made out of paper/cotton with the metal clip for the nose and the cheap elastic band to hold on the face. Those "Saarsgard Sars Guards" are 1 step above worthless IMO. .
    CHeap dust mask:http://www.quakekare.com/index.asp?P...PROD&ProdID=75

    There are single filter systems as well, so you have to replace only 1 filter at a time. I have the single filter systems. I don't do enough sanding or chemical work to worry about having 2 filters so the single filter lasts me plenty long enough.

  6. #6
    The triple smoker
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    I use my Dustfoe 66 for particulates. It's the same model I wore in the coal mine. It's modern (and available) equivalent is the Advantage 200LS Respirator, which has a variety of cartridges you can use.


    HTH,
    Wayne

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    Noob PostModern's Avatar
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    I would recommend a North half mask with the defender 75SCP100 cartridge. It filters particulates with the prefilter and the organic vapour component takes care of most oils and mists.
    I buy these cartridges by the case and use them in the petrochemical industry, very effective.

    www.northsafety.com

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